Lincolnshire Co-op's net-zero aims

Community retailer Lincolnshire Co-op has set ambitious environmental targets, which have now been validated by corporate climate action organisation, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi).

The society has set near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets, in line with a commitment to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.

The SBTi’s Corporate Net-Zero Standard is the world’s only framework for corporate net-zero target setting in line with climate science, and includes the guidance, criteria, and recommendations companies need to set science-based net-zero targets consistent with limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C.

Emission reduction goals have been set for years 2030, 2035 and 2045, using 2024 as the base year.

Goals set range from reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions by 42% by 2030, to reducing absolute scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from use of sold products by 90% by 2045.

Asides from setting SBTi validated targets, the business has demonstrated its long-term commitment to looking after the local environment by investing £8.5 million into wind energy through a Corporate Purchase Power Agreement (CPPA) earlier this year.

An additional £2 million was committed to solar energy in 2024, energy-saving fridge doors and CO2 refrigeration systems are being installed across new and refurbished food stores, and much more.

Andrew Turner, Procurement and Sustainability Manager at Lincolnshire Co-op, said: “We have been making meaningful changes and investments to reduce our environmental impact throughout the years, and setting science-based targets is a great way of setting our trajectory for the future.

“These targets, which are set using only last year as a baseline, are indicative of Lincolnshire Co-op’s strategic priorities. We are committed to looking after our local environment, and now we have outlined exactly what that looks like.

“This aligns us with the Paris Agreement ambition to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as well as making us a more resilient business and ensuring that we can continue to deliver for our communities.”